Appendix A

The Nebraska Supreme Court, through the Administrative Office of the Courts Judicial Branch Education Division, shall develop the curriculum for the initial guardian ad litem education and provide specialized on-line training for guardians ad litem at s nominal cost. The Administrative Office of the Courts may approve the rendition of an in-the-classroom version of the initial six-hour curriculum it has developed in the event an outside vendor applies to the Administrative Office of the Courts to teach such a version of the curriculum.

The Supreme Court's Attorney Services Division shall maintain a list of attorneys who are current in their required guardian ad litem training and shall make such list available to all judges with juvenile court jurisdiction.

In addition to offering the initial six-hour course, the Administrative Office of the Courts Judicial Branch Education Division shall determine the course work required of the attorney subsequent to the completion of the initial course. Courses may be made available to satisfy the annual three-hour requirement through the Judicial Branch Education Division, offered at a nominal fee and hosted on its Web site. In addition, the Attorney Services Division may approve courses for the annual three-hour requirement that are offered by outside vendors if the courses meet the curriculum requirements and standards created by the Administrative Office of the Courts.

Specialized training sessions shall provide training, information, and education regarding the role, duties, and responsibilities of a guardian ad litem, which shall include, but not be limited to, the following areas:

(A) Overview of the Juvenile Court System;

(B) Statutory duties and authority of a guardian ad litem, including any performance standards adopted by the Nebraska Supreme Court;

(1) Requirements of guardian ad litem report.

(2) Instructions for preparing a guardian ad litem report.

(3) Ethical issues and the role of a guardian ad litem.

(C) Issues which impact or impair the functioning of families, including but not limited to:

(1) Dynamics of child abuse and neglect;

(2) Substance abuse and mental health issues;

(3) Poverty, employment, and housing;

(4) Domestic violence;

(5) Physical, psychological, and psychiatric health issues;

(6) Education;

(7) Visitation and demonstration of parental skills.

(D) Training in the techniques of gathering relevant information and resources:

(1) Interviewing skills, regarding both children and adults;

(2) How to obtain and interpret reports from other professionals and providers;

(3) Inquiry into appropriateness and stability of juveniles’ placement.

(E) Psychological aspects of children, including child development issues;